To thoroughly implement the spirit of the National Education Conference, elevate internationalization efforts, and enhance the university's capacity to cultivate globally competent talent, the delegation led by Vice President Li Shuangchen of China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) visited top universities in the UK and Ireland from November 20 to 27. During the visit, CUPL successfully established formal partnerships with world-renowned top 100 universities, expanded substantive collaborations with existing partner institutions, and reinforced its joint development of the Confucius Institute in the UK, further enhancing the university's international influence.
(CUPL Vice President Li Shuangchen and QMUL Vice President Helen Bailey signing a cooperation agreement)
Visit to Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
On November 21, the CUPL delegation visited Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). They held in-depth discussions with QMUL Vice President Helen Bailey, Ioannis Kokkoris, Director of the Centre for Commercial Law Studies, Kathryn Richardson, Dean of the School of Arts and Director of the Confucius Institute, Clare Burke, Head of International Partnerships, and Christine Zhou, Director of International Development and Project Management at the Centre for Commercial Law Studies. Professor Kokkoris provided a detailed introduction to QMUL's rich history, academic achievements, and distinctive programs. Helen Bailey warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed her hope that this visit would foster deeper mutual understanding and collaboration. In turn, Vice President Li Shuangchen expressed his gratitude for QMUL's reception, highlighting CUPL’s focus on internationalization and outlining the university's commitment to developing a partnership with QMUL. The delegation presented their academic strengths and collaboration needs, and both universities discussed joint initiatives, including interdisciplinary cooperation, student exchanges, faculty visits, and PhD joint training programs. As a result, Vice President Li and Helen Bailey signed formal agreements for the "4+1" and "1+1+1" programs, marking the establishment of a partnership with another top 100 university globally.
(The CUPL delegation visiting Bangor University)
Visit to Bangor University (BU)
From November 22 to 23, Vice President Li and the delegation visited Bangor University, where they further implemented previous agreements regarding the Confucius Institute and signed additional cooperation agreements. The delegation focused on expanding cooperation beyond law to humanities and social sciences fields. Andrew Edwards, Vice President of BU and UK Co-Chair of the Confucius Institute Council, met with the delegation along with other faculty members. Li Shuangchen and Andrew Edwards signed two important agreements for an exchange student program and a master's scholarship program, marking the deepening of the partnership with BU and further expansion into new areas.
(Vice President Li Shuangchen on behalf of CUPL congratulates the 140th anniversary of Bangor University)
Congratulations on Bangor University’s 140th Anniversary
This year marks the 140th anniversary of Bangor University, and as part of the visit, Vice President Li extended CUPL's congratulations by presenting a congratulatory letter signed by CUPL President Ma Huaide, along with a gift. Li expressed hopes for both universities' continued academic success and the long-lasting growth of their partnership.
Confucius Institute at Bangor University
The Confucius Institute at Bangor University, jointly established by CUPL and BU in 2012, has become a critical bridge for collaboration between the two institutions. Vice President Li visited the Institute's newly relocated office, where he met with faculty and volunteers, commended their efforts, and provided suggestions for future development. Director Li Dandan expressed gratitude to the staff and reaffirmed CUPL's support for the Institute's growth.
(University College Cork (UCC) Vice President Ursula Kilkelly meeting with the CUPL delegation)
Visit to University College Cork (UCC)
On November 25, the delegation visited University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland, where Vice President Ursula Kilkelly met with the CUPL delegation to discuss enhancing cooperation. UCC acknowledged CUPL’s importance as a key partner in global engagement and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in academic conferences, lectures, doctoral programs, and visiting scholar exchanges. Vice President Li highlighted UCC's significance to CUPL in Ireland and proposed building upon their existing cooperation by signing a joint doctoral training agreement. Further discussions on student exchange programs, faculty collaboration, and interdisciplinary partnerships ensued, with both institutions reaching agreements on these topics.
Engagement with UCC’s Schools
During their visit, the delegation also met with faculty from UCC’s School of Arts, Celtic Studies Institute, School of Social Sciences, and School of Law. They held discussions with key academic leaders, including Professor Martin Howard, Colette Coughlan, and Professor Mark Poustie, focusing on joint student programs, faculty exchanges, and interdisciplinary cooperation. These exchanges laid a strong foundation for future collaboration between the two universities.
Visiting CUPL Students and Alumni in Ireland
While in Ireland, the CUPL delegation took the opportunity to visit CUPL students and alumni studying and working in Ireland, offering support and encouragement as part of their international engagement efforts.
The CUPL delegation included Zhang Qing, Dean of the School of Foreign Studies; Luo Shiqin, Vice Dean of the School of Humanities; Yang Qingmei, Vice Dean of the School of Sociology; and Li Dandan, Director of the Confucius Institute Office.
